2 used Porsches seized at Naia for being illegal imports

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday seized two second-hand Porsches estimated to be worth P28 million at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) after the shipment was found in violation of importing regulations.

BOC-Naia district collector Carmelita Talusan earlier issued a warrant of seizure on the two vehicles consigned to Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati Inc., which have been impounded at the airport since arriving in August 2017.

Seized were a used Porsche Boxster S and a Porsche Panamera 4S, which have an estimated street value of P10 million and P18 million, respectively, BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said in a statement.

The cars were reportedly meant for “educational and training purposes,” but their procurement violated Executive Order No. 156 which prohibits the importation of used motor vehicles, according to Sonia Tapales, chief of Import Regulations Division of Department of Trade and Industry.

The consignee also had no permit to import used vehicles, which is still required even if the vehicles are to be used by a school for training purposes, Lapena said.

Only “special purpose vehicles” can be exempted under the EO, such as fire trucks, ambulances, funeral hearses, crane lorries, boom trucks, tanker trucks, reefers, street sweepers, mixers, and garbage compactors, the official added. —Tina G. Santos